Daylight Savings Time!

Don't forget to change your clocks ahead 1 hour tonight!!! (unless of course you live somewhere where this doesn't apply to you...then this would just be weird, and would cause a lot of problems. The End.)

:)

Dining Out For Life

I love finding good news! This one actually came to me via a commercial during Oprah today (keep in mind Grit is home sick and it was in fact NOT ME that was watching Oprah....that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

The Event:  Dining Out For Life

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 thousands will fill their plates to fight AIDS.

Over 200 restaurants from Whistler to White Rock and into the Valley will join the fight against AIDS by donating 25 percent of their food revenue from meals sold during this important event.

For a complete PDF list of participating restaurants in the Lower Mainland BC area, please click here!

As well, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery will donate one dollar from every bottle purchased in BC at restaurants AND liquor stores during the month of March and Stella Artois will donate $1 from every sale in Dining Out For Life participating restaurants on March 12!

All money raised will go to A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life, Lower Mainland charities supporting local people living with AIDS.

So, in a nutshell... eat at one of the restaurants listed above on Thursday March 12, 2009... and 25% of your bill is donated to the fight against AIDS! ANNNNNNNNND thats one night you won't have to cook! :)

Anyone wanna get together for a big dinner at one of the participating restaurants?! just a thought! email me!

Michael

Enspire Foundation Presents: Resonance 2009

About a month or so ago I got an email from Sheryl, a bride whose wedding I shot last year (see Scott & Sheryl's Wedding lol). We've grown to be quite good friends over the last year, and it has been an absolute privilege knowing them, and so when she asked if I wanted to volunteer my photographic services for a good cause, I was all ears. 

The event: "Resonance 2009 Choir Festival" fundraiser, presented by Enspire Foundation. The proceeds went to benefit the Bulacan Community Project. 

"In May 2009, Enspire Foundation will send 30 young adult Canadians comprised of working professionals and university students from SFU, UBC and Capilano University's Global Stewardship Program, to help build homes in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Philippines."

I had an amazing time shooting the event, and felt truly blessed to be a part of such a great cause. Thank you, Sheryl.

If you would like to learn more information about the Enspire Foundation or if you would like to make a donation, you may click on the link mentioned above or click here.

Here are just a few photos of the event from last Saturday (Feb 21, 2009).

I Think We Have A Problem...

Grit and I sometimes have a ....problem... with getting a nice picture of the both of us together. I just... I ... really don't know why... perhaps its all the FACE-MAKING, and EAR-BITING, and 'WET WILLIES'!!!!! Oh, the photos I could post... I bet I could make a full length slideshow with all the 'bloopers' we have had throughout our 'picture taking' relationship! :)

These shots below are just a quick sample of what MAY happen during a typical photo session. I should clarify for future clients... this won't happen at YOUR photo session (at least I hope not), I was referring to when Grit and I have our OWN photos taken.

These were taken almost 2 years ago to the day during a "Formal Night" when we were working on the cruise ship The Coral Princess. Ah, the memories...

(Note: The 'tux' is my work uniform on a Formal Night, trust me, only wearing it cause I had to.)

I'm so GLAD we are getting a chance to redeem ourselves in Vegas in a few days. We are heading down for the annual WPPI conference (think 'Star Trek Convention' but with Wedding & Portrait Photographers... and a few less Vulcans). We are heading down Saturday night, and then Sunday morning we are driving into the desert with Braeden (Ambient 11) and Gabe (PerspectivEye) for a REAL photoshoot of Grit and I!!! How Stoked am I?? VERY STOKED!

...I hope I don't pull that damn Zoolander face I always do...

And here's a few more... I thought I would combine a good photo of Grit with a good photo of myself (via Photoshop)...if thats how its gotta be to get a good photo of the BOTH of us (until Gabe and Braeden work their magic that is), then fine. :)

Have a great day!

Michael

Focus On The Good

I am a very firm believer in the phenomenon that is "The Secret". Whatever you focus on, and feel, becomes reality. If we focus on bad news, or being in debt, thats all we get... more bad news, and more debt. You even have to be careful HOW you say and think things too, as The Universe does not understand 'NOT wanting' something... for example, if you think "I am NOT going to be late. I am NOT going to be late", you will still attract the word LATE, even though you wanted the exact opposite. All it takes is a simple change of focus, to something like "I will be on time. I will arrive on time.", and as long as you honestly FEEL that, it will be so.

One of my favorite quotes from "The Secret" that really puts this into perspective is:

"Mother Theresa always said she would not attend anti- war campaigns but would always attend Pro- Peace rallies"  

According to "The Secret ", Anti-War in fact attracts just the opposite. Pro-Peace is the answer.

Which brings me to why I am posting this. There are many changes happening with my branding and the way that I am conducting business AND life for that matter, and one of the things I have done is purchased www.RealLoveIs.com . The web address, as you will see, simply links to my own photography website. (It may be a lot easier to some to type in RealLoveIs.com instead of MichaelWachniak.com lol) You may have noticed also either through emails or twitter or even on my website the words "Real Love Is.".  Its not a 'fill in the blanks' or even telling you that "MY PHOTOGRAPHY = REAL LOVE"... its just simply to tell you that Real Love exists. We all know that, its everywhere, this isn't news. I just strongly feel that it is one of those things that doesn't hurt to remind ourselves of every now and then. Love and Happiness. Positive Energy. Its really my attempt to give my little section of time on this Earth  a hand in the right direction. Whether its enough to change our focus, I'm not sure. If we all did something? Absolutely.

For today's post I'd also like to add this little gem. A photographer posted this on Twitter yesterday and it really struck a chord. A website dedicated only to posting Good News. I am sure there are plenty of sites out there that are doing this, and when I find them, I will post them. How AMAZING would it be to sip your morning coffee/tea and open a paper only to find nothing but good news. This is exactly what Glee Report is doing. I strongly recommend taking a peak.

Have a great day,

Michael

My Deep Thought on 'Capturing Moments'

I was writing a few things out for my new site today and something occurred to me. Its kind of silly and strange, but I wanted to know your opinion:

When talking about photography, a lot of people use the term (or variation of the term) 'Capturing Moments', right? Or TAKING a photograph. Doesn't that sound negative? 'Capturing'... sort of like 'Hi, I saw this moment and took a picture, now I have it in captivity! MWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!' *insert thunder and lightning here*....

Personally, I think that the moments that are NOT photographed or even remembered could be considered as 'captured' but captured by TIME.... in the sense that we will never see them again...

SO, having said that, I think as photographers (pro, amateur, whatever), we are 'RELEASING moments'.... like releasing something into the wild. The moments then fly wherever they may, but freely, not caged or captured. Doesn't that sound more positive? I tell ya, its little 'tweaks' like that thats going to change the world ;)

And don't even get me started on the term 'freezing time'... its just way to cold out to talk about that.

thoughts?

by the way, here's a random photo I took YEARS ago....obviously before my wedding photography days lol. Its nothing fantastic, but when I wrote this, for some reason this photo popped into my head... maybe not the BEST illustration to go with my thought, but hey... its a mountain goat...sheep...thing in mid air!

A Foggy Day in White Rock Town ;)

Today was a wonderfully foggy day, so Grit and I decided to head down to the beach for a walk. At first I wanted to bring my camera to snap some cool fog photos, but once we got there, the fog was so amazing that we just went NUTS snapping photos of each other! We are slowly trying to get Grit more involved with the photography, so today was a great day to get her playing with the camera... and my LORD, after seeing the photos, I think she can show ME a thing or two!!!

We had a blast today snapping these photos and being outside together on a beautiful Sunday, and I hope you enjoy the photos! Don't forget to leave some blog-lovin' comments! :)

Namaste,

Michael

Wedding 101: Getting Started - New Bride's Checklist

I was sitting at my computer today browsing over wedding sites and came across this awesome article over at bride.ca, explaining in great detail every little bit of the 'What to Do when Planning A Wedding". I really thought this would be something that EVERY newly-engaged couple would NEED to read, so I sent out a few quick emails, asking if I could post it on my blog, and a few hours later, here it is! 

Hope this at least helps de-fuzz any potential wedding planning ponders!

-Michael-

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Wedding 101: Getting Started - New Bride's Checklist

by Kori Ellis, bride.ca

Congratulations on your engagement! There are probably a million things running through your mind about what to do next. Should you book a reception hall? Run out and buy your wedding dress? Take a moment to breathe a little bit and review our wedding checklist.

This checklist will give you a general guideline of what to do and when you need to do it. You can adjust it to fit your schedule but be sure to adhere to your timeline as much as possible. During your wedding planning, don't stress out. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to your husband-to-be, mother or maid of honor to help you. Your engagement should be a happy time. Take time to relax and enjoy it. Don't turn into a bridezilla!

Editor's Note: we have tried to link each task on Kori's lists to the corresponding search on bride.ca, so you can quickly find some initial articles, tips and services to get you started on the particular task. Some searches will be more useful than others :-) Try as we might, we do not yet cover every imaginable wedding thing - but we're working on it!

Wedding Timeline

12 Months or More in Advance

• Hire your wedding planner or coordinator (if desired)


• Talk with your fiancÈ and set an initial wedding budget


• Determine your wedding style (destination, theme, time of day, formal/casual)


• Select your wedding date and time


• Research and book your wedding ceremony and reception locations


• Interview prospective wedding vendors


• Parents of the bride should begin planning the engagement dinner

9-12 Months in Advance

• Announce your engagement in the local paper


• Arrange for an officiant (if desired) for your ceremony


• Set the maximum number of wedding guests


• Choose your wedding attendants


• Book your caterer, musicians/DJ, photographer


• Research and decide what type of gown you will wear


• Attend bridal shows and bridal shop visits


• Meet with florists and cake bakeries to view and sample their work


• Create a bridal registry


• Attend your engagement dinner

6-9 Months in Advance

• Book your florist and order your wedding cake


• Make your preliminary guest list


• Select and purchase your wedding gown and bridesmaid's dresses


• Research wedding transportation options


• Meet with printers and decide on wedding invitation style


• Select and book your honeymoon

4-6 Months in Advance

• Arrange for groom/groomsmen to be measured for tuxedos


• Shop for and purchase bridal accessories


• Book your wedding transportation


• Order invitations and other stationery


• Shop for and purchase wedding rings


• Get blood tests for marriage license


• Mail "Save the Date" cards

2-4 Months in Advance

• Finalize your guest list


• Research types of wedding favours


• Parents of the groom should arrange rehearsal dinner


• Select your menu (including beverages) and confirm other details with caterer and reception venue


• Purchase wedding guest book, garter, goblets, candles, decorations and other ceremony items


• Plan the bachelor and bachelorette parties


• Arrange for printing of ceremony programs


• Purchase your wedding favours


• Choose your wedding music - first dance, parents dance, etc.


• Finalize details with all vendors - florist, musicians, photographer, baker and others


• Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests


• Practice wedding hairstyles and makeup


• Attend your bridal shower(s)

6-8 Weeks in Advance

• Mail wedding invitations and announcements (8 weeks)


• Schedule the final fitting for your gown


• Select gifts for your wedding attendants


• Select a gift for your husband


• Book hairdressers and makeup artists

4-6 Weeks in Advance

• Give headcount of guests to your caterer


• Take your bridal portrait / engagement photo


• Pick up your wedding rings


• Meet with ushers regarding their duties


• Make seating plan for reception


• Confirm dates, times and details with all vendors (4 weeks)

2-4 Weeks in Advance

• Handle name change for Driver's License, Tax numbers etc (if you're actually changing your name!)


• Prepare and submit the wedding announcement for the newspaper


• Make sure all your bridal attire is ready


• Get your marriage license


• Write your place cards and put together DIY favours (if necessary)

1 Week in Advance

• Review details with the ushers


• Attend the final fitting (make sure your bridesmaids do too)


• Confirm seating arrangements


• Pack for your honeymoon


• Pack an emergency kit for your wedding day


• Give the final head count to caterer


• Re-confirm with all vendors; pay any balances


• Finalize rehearsal dinner plans


• Attend bachelor/bachelorette parties

The Day Before Your Wedding

• Get a manicure and pedicure


• Make sure someone picks up tuxedos


• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner


• Go to bed early!

Your Wedding Day

• Wake up early


• Get your makeup and hair done


• Get dressed and head to the ceremony


• Make sure to eat properly


• Relax and enjoy your day

Print out and use these checklists as a guideline when planning your wedding. You can adapt them to your specific needs and change the timeline as necessary. Try to book your vendors as soon as possible, particularly your wedding reception site. Keep in mind that some of the more popular locations book more than a year in advance.

***************

The End ;)

My Top 20 Favorite Engagement Photos of 2008

It took some time to get this Top 20 list completed as well, but now that its done, I can't take my eyes off if it. It has helped me remember how much of an amazing year 2008 was, and how lucky I am to have met so many amazing people! There are so many great memories that shine through these photographs, and I cannot stress enough the importance of an Engagement Session. Among many things, it is a great way for us to get to know each other before the actual wedding day, and snap some fun photos in the process! One of the key points I strive to make my business known for is being able to capture 100% Raw and 100% Pure emotion in my photographs. The best way of doing this is to have a stronger bond with my clients than just "he's our wedding photographer". It has to go WAY beyond that, I want to make sure "Michael Wachniak Photographer" is not just a business, its an experience!  :) I LOVE the fact that there are some people out there that have actually introduced me to their best friends and closest family members as "This is Michael Wachniak, he kicks ass and climbs trees!" LOL!! I should really have that on a business card or something ;) Anyways, if there is no bond between myself and my clients, the photos just will not be up to my standards. I try everything in my power to make sure the clients are feeling comfortable, and I really feel it shows through my photographs.

So without further ado, here are my personal favorite Top 20 Engagement Photos of 2008!

(in no particular order!)

yup, I really do climb trees ;)

Here's to a kickass 2009 season!

Namaste,

Michael

p.s. I was assisting a fashion shoot yesterday with my buddy Todd Duncan, and he snapped this photo of me in mid-laugh. 

I would like to personally apologize for looking like this when I laugh, I had no idea...

This just looks painful... I swear I'm only laughing...